Movie, discussion at Lansdale Public Library to highlight problems of Baha'i in Iran

LANSDALE - A documentary about the discrimination faced by the Baha'i community in Iran will be screened at the Lansdale Public Library on Wednesday.

The film, 'Education Under Fire,' will be followed by an interfaith panel discussion and light refreshments. The screening begins at 6:30 p.m.

Through interviews, the film depicts the decades-long government persecution of members ot the Baha'i community in Iran. The film, a story of courage and faith, shows the support of many of Iranian Muslims and Christians, for all Iran's children.

The film will be followed by a short panel discussion with representation from the Baha'i and Muslim communities, said Ken Gallagher, with The Peace Project, which is sponsoring the event. 'We will end with dessert and dialogue. This is a call to action to support human rights for all people everywhere. Learn how you can easily support the children of Iran to have a voice in their tomorrow.'

Members of the Baha'i religion face discrimination in employment in Iran, he said.

'It's the government under the dictatorship,' he said.

In 1987 the semi-underground Baha' Institute for Higher Education was founded to give young Baha'i their only chance for a university-level education. Despite repeated raids and arrests, volunteer teachers and administrators created an independent university system that has taught thousands across Iran.

In May 2011 the Iranian government launched an organized assault to shut the BIHE down, raiding more than 30 homes and detaining professors and administrators. Several are still in prison. The Iranian government bans students from higher education is they belong to certain organizations, including the Baha'i faith.

Gallagher called the film 'very enlightening.'

'We're with The Peace Project,' said Gallagher. 'We like to address any where there is injustice. You can be Muslim, Jewish, Christian, anywhere there are human rights injustice.'